Overview 2022
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The Bachelor of Dementia Care, delivered by the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, will help you develop specialised knowledge so that you can make a difference to the lives of people living with dementia.
The Dementia Care Program offers Australia's first degree in dementia care and sets a high standard for the value and knowledge graduates will bring to the aged care and health sectors. It is available to domestic and international students, from carers to health professionals and anyone with an interest in studying dementia.
With the rise in prevalence in dementia and the need to provide quality care in the community, health care centres and hospitals, and in residential care, it is becoming essential that health care workers in aged care develop specialised knowledge in this field so that you can make a difference to the lives of people living with dementia.
This course has been developed by the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, global leaders in dementia education with a mission to transform the understanding of dementia worldwide.
This is a fully online course with no exams, face to face study, or workplace assessment component. Dedicated Student Advisers are on-hand throughout the course, providing support and guidance throughout your studies. Our program can be studied full-time or part-time, offering you a choice to graduate with a:
- Diploma (8 units, completed over a maximum of 3 years)
- Associate Degree (16 units, completed over a maximum of 5 years)
- Bachelor Degree (24 units, completed over a maximum of 7 years)
Students may study part-time (1-2 units) or full-time (3-4 units) per semester. Students are advised to approximately 10 hours of study per week per unit of study. There are no formal examinations, all assessments occur throughout the semester.
Assessments may include assessed discussion boards, quizzes, essays or reports, presentations.
Course objectives
Dementia is a neurological condition that affects tens of millions of people across the globe, posing significant challenges to people living with dementia, their families, communities and the health care sector. The Dementia Care Program provides students with a deep knowledge of dementia, the changes that occur in the brain, the behaviours and needs associated with changes, and practical strategies necessary to help care for people living with dementia.
Second and third years of study offer the opportunity for a more in-depth exploration of research, policy, neurobiology, and specialised approaches to care and therapy, as well as to develop skills in evaluation and critical thinking.
Students will gain advanced problem-solving skills, along with an understanding of the importance of evidence-based practice. Graduates will be prepared for a range of career paths in the aged care and health sector.
Learning Outcomes
Career outcomes
“My goal is just to provide a tangible difference in quality care for dementia. I’ve loved the course because it’s so specific, just focusing on the one field. I feel like having a specific topic actually broadens what you can learn about the topic, because you can start to look at it from all these different angles, and actually get something that’s beginning to build a bigger picture of dementia, both from a personal perspective and care, but also looking at it in terms of social impact. The best bit about the course has been I think it’s changed my perspective; that I really do believe that people can live well with dementia, and that’s been inspiring and also it’s exciting to keep learning about how we can actually achieve that.”
Over 400,000 Australians are currently living with dementia; this number increases every year. The impact on communities, families, governments and health professionals will be significant as these numbers increase.
Our workforce is currently ill equipped to help care for such large numbers of people living with dementia – by 2050, it is estimated that there will be over 900,000 people in Australia living with dementia. Graduates from this course may find work in a range of career paths such as in the aged care industry in both the public and private sectors, or as a pathway to undertaking further study in graduate health programs.
In March 2021, Australia’s Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety released its final report (Pagone & Briggs, 2021). “We are deeply concerned that so many aged care providers do not seem to have the skills and capacity required to care adequately for people living with dementia” (Pagone & Briggs, 2021, p. 69). Care, dignity, and respect: Executive Summary and Final report (Volumes 1-5). Australian Government Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
Individuals with backgrounds in healthcare, community service and allied health professionals, may find study in this course advantageous – and opportunities for Recognition of Prior Learning (or credit) are available.
There are a growing number of leadership and case management positions in dementia care, which require qualifications higher than aged care certificates. Leadership roles, and specialist positions in the aged care sector are increasingly calling for tertiary level qualifications such as the Dementia Care Program.
The Diploma and Associate Degrees are particularly relevant to aged care workers and health professionals wishing to develop their skills and knowledge in dementia. The Bachelor Degree offers additional learning about research and the understanding of how evidence may be translated into clinical care practice.
To support the development of a career structure for aged care workers in the future we will continually evaluate the course and make representations to government and industry. We know that workers with greater knowledge and skills in dementia care will be critical in delivering enhanced capacity to a sector which is facing an enormous challenge both now and into the future.
Course structure
If you are starting in 2023 you can find your course planner here – this helps you plan what units to enrol in and when.
There are three graduation points available in the Dementia Care Program, each available as part-time or full-time:
- Diploma (8 units, completed over a maximum of 3 years)
- Associate Degree (16 units, completed over a maximum of 5 years)
- Bachelor Degree (24 units, completed over a maximum of 7 years)
To enrol in the Dementia Care Program
- You must be willing to devote approximately 10 hours per week for each unit of study
- You must be able to access a computer, current software and a reliable connection to the internet
A major is an area of focus in your degree. During your studies, you’ll choose an area that interests you, and then study a group of units related to that area. Find out more at What is a Major?
Year 1 Core units
Neuroscience is the study of how the nervous system works, how the cells of the system are organised and how they develop and change in the presence of common pathological conditions, including dementia. Through learning the fundamental principles of neuroscience,…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
This introductory unit will explore the physical and cognitive changes that occur during the ageing process, and age-related pathological changes that can lead to diseases that cause dementia. This unit will introduce fundamental neuroscience concepts in the healthy adult, ageing…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for CAD101 Introduction to Ageing, the Brain and Dementia
This unit provides an overview of the journey through dementia from the perspective of people with dementia and those who provide care and support to them. Students will learn about ways to identify and respond to needs that arise on…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for CAD104 Principles of Supportive Care for People With Dementia
In this unit you will examine demographic trends in the ageing population along with social and cultural determinants of health and how these factors continue to shape the needs of older people in society. You will investigate how these needs…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for CAD115 Health Services for an Ageing Population
In this unit you will gain knowledge of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for dementia, and of contemporary strategies to dementia therapies. You will be introduced to varied approaches to supporting quality of life for people with dementia, including community-based…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Spring school (extended) | ||||
View all details for CAD116 Introduction to Therapeutic Approaches for Dementia
This unit addresses the importance of communicating effectively and positively with people who have cognitive impairment and/or a diagnosis of dementia, and with those who provide support and care. You will learn about how the changes associated with dementia affect…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Spring school (extended) | ||||
View all details for CAD117 Effective Communication for Dementia Care
Year 2 Core units
This unit uses research into the biological basis of dementia to explore the specific pathology of the more common diseases causing, or associated with, dementia. Students will learn the relationship between the development of pathology in the nervous system and…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
This intermediate unit will examine pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches to symptom minimisation and care for people living with dementia. Students will be required to complete tasks translating knowledge into practice and demonstrate understanding of the underlying evidence for the treatment…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for CAD202 Therapeutic Approaches for Dementia
This unit provides an overview of contemporary palliative care principles. You will learn about the underpinnings of palliative care practices, with a particular focus on such practices for people with dementia and the people close to them. A core consideration…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
This intermediate unit highlights the importance of adequate nutrition and hydration for people with dementia and the swallowing problems (dysphagia) that can be a factor in malnutrition and dehydration resulting in declining health, repeated hospitalisations, and decreased quality of life.…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for CAD205 Nutrition, Dysphagia and Dementia
In this unit, you will learn about the factors that influence dementia risk and explore current evidence around dementia prevention. The principles and strategies surrounding health promotion will also be explored, and you will apply your dementia prevention knowledge to…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for CAD207 Individual and Community Approaches to Dementia Prevention
This unit builds on first year knowledge on the national and international frameworks underpinning the delivery of aged and dementia care services, policies and models. By critically engaging with the evidence bases supporting policy, you will learn to critique contemporary…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for CAD208 Dementia Policy and Care Coordination
Year 3 Core units
This unit will identify and examine some of the principal qualitative methods used in dementia care and aged care research. Students will gain a critical awareness of the nature of qualitative evidence and its role in informing quality care for…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for CAD305 Qualitative Research in Aged and Dementia Care
This unit will present a range of advanced topics related to international best practice in dementia care. This year, Advanced Topics in Dementia Care focuses on understanding and addressing the issues faced by people with dementia in seldom-heard groups. We…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for CAD306 Advanced Topics in Dementia Care
The provision of dementia care is shaped by overarching policy at the local, national and international level. This advanced level unit will explore the concept of policy, and the issues that influence the translation of evidence into policy and offer…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for CAD307 Translating Evidence into Dementia Care
Dementia friendly societies are designed to support people to live well with dementia through a range of integrated social, environmental and physical strategies. This advanced level unit explores the challenges of building dementia friendly societies with, and for people living…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Electives or Optional major
Electives
Optional major
Ageing Studies and Services
Students are required to successfully complete 8 units which comprises of the following:
25 credit points in Year 1;
25 credit points in Year 2 and
50 credit points in Year 3.
Year 1
This unit examines how ageing is a social construct. The unit will begin by examining the global phenomena of population ageing, and how language is used to discuss the social change from a young to older population. The unit also…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
This unit will explore how biological processes lead to diseases and ill-health, as well as dying and death. Chronic illness will be a particular focus of this unit, with students exploring some of the chronic illnesses and associated risk factors…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Year 2
This unit will provide a critical examination of the state and complexity of the Australian health and social care system as it relates to older adults. You will become adept at accessing online and other resources provided to support aged…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
The unit has a focus on mental health and wellbeing in older adults. You will explore attitudes and misconceptions about the mental health and wellbeing of older adults. You will develop knowledge about how mental health status is assessed by…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for CAD210 Mental Health and Wellbeing in Older Adults
Year 3
This unit will involve students selecting a research topic related to ageing or dementia for a major assignment and related presentation. The subject area will be negotiated with the academic staff contributing to the unit, and will involve a literature…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for CAD304 Negotiated Project in Ageing and Dementia
The successful delivery of aged care into the future will require high levels of innovation at an individual and organisational level. This unit will explore the evolution and current state of innovation in aged care as well as methodologies to…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
View all details for CAD312 Social Innovation in Ageing and Aged Care
Communities are complex and connected social arrangements of people. In this unit, you will explore the different meanings of community, the diverse mechanisms to work with and for communities, and the processes and principles of community development and engagement. This…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
View all details for CAD313 Community Engagement for Ageing Well
Entry requirements
For Domestic students
We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you’re not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, the admissions team will work with you to find the best pathway option.
Enquire online for advice on the application process and the available pathways to study.
Domestic applicants who recently completed secondary education
Applicants are ranked by ATAR and offers made based on the number of places available. We anticipate that the lowest ATAR that will receive an offer for this course in 2023 will be ATAR 50.
Applicants who have recently completed senior secondary studies but have not received an ATAR may still be eligible for admission. We will consider your subject results on a case-by-case basis when we assess your application.
Domestic applicants with higher education study
To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have:
- Partially completed an undergraduate course at Diploma level or higher (or equivalent). Applicants must have completed at least two units of study (equivalent to 25 UTAS credit points). If an applicant has failed any units the application may be subject to further review before an offer is made; OR
-
Completed the UTAS University Preparation Program (or an equivalent qualification offered by an Australian University).
Domestic applicants with work and life experience
Applicants without senior secondary, tertiary or VET / TAFE study can complete a personal competency statement. Applicants may be eligible for an offer if they have relevant work and / or life experiences which demonstrate a capacity to succeed in this course.
Domestic applicants with VET/TAFE study
To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have completed a Certificate III (or equivalent) or higher in any discipline.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION
If your ability to access or participate in education has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, you can apply for special consideration as part of your application. We will consider a range of factors for special consideration, including economic hardship, a serious medical condition or disability.
We can only approve applications for special consideration where we are confident that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your studies. If your application is not approved, the admissions team will work with you to find the best alternative pathway to your chosen course. Special consideration is not available for international applicants.
COURSE PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
This course is delivered fully online, therefore you must be able to access a computer, have current software and a reliable connection to the internet.
For International students
All international students will need to meet the minimum English Language Requirements, University General Entry Requirements and any course specific requirements such as pre-requisite subjects, if applicable.
English Language Requirements
This degree requires an IELTS (Academic) of 6.5, with no individual band less than 6.5, or a PTE Academic score of 58, with no score lower than 58 or equivalent.
For students who do not meet the English Language Requirement through citizenship, evidence of an approved English language test completed within the last 2 years must be provided. See the English Language Requirements page for more information.
General Entry Requirements
Admission to undergraduate courses at the University of Tasmania requires the completion of qualifications equivalent to a 12th year of education in Australia.
Please review the equivalent undergraduate entry requirements to see the minimum requirement relevant to your country. The ATAR information for this course is located in the “For Domestic Students” section of the entry requirements on this page.
You can also meet the General Entry Requirement for this course with the following qualifications or prior studies:
- Completion of an equivalent AQF Certificate III or above
- Complete or incomplete (minimum 25 credit points) of previous tertiary study at Bachelor level or higher
Course Specific Requirements
Students must have access to a computer, reliable internet connection, webcam, headset and microphone.
Credit transfer
Applications for credit can be made in your course application. Find out more information about how to apply for a credit transfer/advanced standing at Recognition of Prior Learning.
Talk to us on 1300 363 864 or enquire online about your credit transfer.
Articulation
Articulation with other courses
A. Articulation to BDemCare
1. Students having initiated study at UTAS or another Australian University, towards a complete or incomplete degree, may apply for credit (Advanced Standing) where successful completion of equivalent units can be demonstrated.
2. Students having initiated study at UTAS towards a complete or incomplete Diploma of Dementia Care (M1D) or Diploma of Ageing Studies and Services (M1A), may apply for credit (Advanced Standing) where successful completion of equivalent units can be demonstrated, or with discretion of the Course Coordinator.
B. Articulation from BDemCare Interim Completion/Exit Points:
1. There will be an exit point after completion of 8 Units (Diploma of Dementia Care), such that the award is consistent with the Diploma of Dementia Care (M1D).
2. There will be an exit point after completion of 16 Units (Associate Degree in Dementia Care). Upon completion: Successful completion of the BDemCare with a GPA of no less than credit average, may be considered for entry to an honours or other coursework programs, including the Masters of Dementia, which may then lead to Research Higher Degree options.
Detailed Admissions Information
Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.
Fees & scholarships
Domestic students
Cost shouldn’t get in the way of you studying.
If you’re a domestic student, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place in this course. This means your fees will be subsidised by the Australian Government. You’ll only need to pay the student contribution amount for each unit you study within the course.
You may also be able to defer payment of the student contribution amount by accessing a HECS-HELP loan from the Government. If eligible, you’ll only have to pay your tuition fees once you start earning above a specific amount.
Further information is available at Scholarships, fees and costs.
Student contributionStudent contribution amounts are charged for each unit of study. This means that how much you’ll pay will depend on which units you choose. Find out more about student contribution amounts.
Further informationDetailed fee information for domestic students is available at Scholarships, fees and costs, including additional information in relation to the compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
International students
2022 Total Course Fee (international students): $37,275 AUD*.
Course cost based on a rate of $12,000 AUD per standard, full-time year of study (100 credit points).
* Please note that this is an indicative fee only.
International students
International students are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the annual rate. International students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.
Scholarships
For information on general scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.
Additional costs
In addition to course costs, students may be subject to other costs related to study at university including:
- Text books and stationery
- Accommodation
- Student Services and Amenities Fee
How can we help?
Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.
- Domestic
- 13 8827 (13 UTAS)
- International
- +61 3 6226 6200
- Course.Info@utas.edu.au
- Online
- Online enquiries